Card Operations Lead

Join us to build a more rewarding financial future for all Canadians 

At Neo, we’re on a mission to build a more rewarding financial future for all Canadians. Life at a rapidly expanding tech startup isn’t for everyone. It’s complex, fast-paced, high-pressure, but also incredibly fulfilling. Since its founding in 2019, Neo has gained incredible traction and is one of the fastest-growing fintech companies in Canada. 

• #1 Fastest Growing Company in Canada for 2024 by Globe & Mail 
• Deloitte’s Fast 50 in Canada Winner for 2023 and 2024
• LinkedIn’s Top Startup in Canada for 2022 and 2023
• Top-ranked mobile apps and credit cards
• Team of 700+ people
• 1M+ customers 
• 10K+ retail partners

The Role

We are seeking a detail-oriented Card Operations Lead to serve as our subject-matter expert for the entire card-issuing lifecycle. The primary focus of this role is to own the technical coordination and hands-on testing of our card programs. You will be the go-to expert for how our card systems function, from the foundational structure of BINs and ICAs to the intricate details of UAT file generation. Your expertise will be crucial in guiding projects to success and ensuring the flawless performance of our products. While you will support vendor and stakeholder managers with your technical knowledge as needed, your main objective will be to live in the details of execution, testing, and operational readiness.

What you'll be doing:

• Card Program Testing & Validation:
• • Design, coordinate, and execute comprehensive, end-to-end testing plans for new card programs, chip migrations, and other card-related projects.
  • Perform meticulous, hands-on UAT (User Acceptance Testing), including creating test applications, generating test cards across various programs and languages, and validating card functionality.
  • Conduct physical, real-world testing of cards, including point-of-sale transactions and ATM withdrawals, to ensure 100% accuracy and performance.
  • Coordinate directly with internal teams, such as Treasury, to ensure test accounts are properly funded and managed for testing cycles.
• Technical Subject-Matter Expertise & Coordination:
• • Act as the central point of knowledge for the technical and operational aspects of card issuing, including network rules and the structure of our card programs (BINs, ICAs, ranges).
  • Master the intricacies of our card issuing platform, including the different types of card files (e.g., UAT, White Card), their purpose, and the process for generating them.
  • Translate project requirements into detailed operational and testing plans.
  • Proactively identify technical risks or dependencies in proposed projects and provide expert guidance on the operational lift required for new initiatives.
  • Maintain meticulous documentation for all testing procedures, project plans, and operational processes.
• Vendor & Stakeholder Management:
• • Serve as the primary operational contact for our card manufacturing and personalization vendors (e.g., AB Corp).
  • Manage communications and requests from internal business stakeholders (including engineering, product, creative/design, among others), filtering questions and providing clear, knowledgeable answers.
  • Act as a buffer for the product and development teams, ensuring that requests are well-defined, necessary, and don't cause unnecessary distractions.
  • Develop a deep understanding of our business needs and provide expert guidance to steer stakeholders toward technically and operationally sound solutions.

Who we're looking for:

• Proven experience in an operations role within the financial services or payments industry, with direct, hands-on experience in debit/credit card issuing.
• Systems Thinking: You must be a strong systems thinker, able to learn quickly and develop a strong command of card issuing processes, terminology, and operational flows.
• Meticulous Attention to Detail: You have an exceptional ability to execute flawlessly on complex, multi-step testing and coordination plans.
• Superior Information Retention: An ability to quickly learn and retain complex information is paramount. You are seen as a reliable source of truth.
• Hands-On Mentality: You are passionate about execution and are willing and able to perform detailed, and at times repetitive, testing and administrative tasks to ensure project success.
• Problem-Solving Mindset: You can analyze project goals, identify all the detailed operational steps required, and foresee potential roadblocks.

What Will Make You Stand Out:

• Extensive experience with UAT for card programs.
• Previous experience working directly with card manufacturers and personalization bureaus in a technical or testing capacity.
• Familiarity with the technical specifications and operational flows of Mastercard or Visa card programs.

Working at Neo:

The people who thrive at Neo are resourceful, growth-oriented, and driven to win. We hold ourselves to high standards because we’re on a mission that matters: to build a more rewarding financial future for all Canadians. As individuals and as a team, we constantly challenge ourselves and each other to do our best work for our customers. Our commitment to customer success drives everything we do, from building intuitive products to providing exceptional support at every step of their journey. If this resonates with you, keep reading.

We trust, respect, and support each other. This means honest conversations, constructive input, and continuous support. You’ll be surrounded by people who push you to be your best. We primarily collaborate in person across our Calgary, Winnipeg, and Toronto offices. As we evolve rapidly, we’re looking for change-makers who thrive on challenge—people who would rather blaze a trail through uncertainty than follow a well-paved path.

All team members have a stake in Neo’s success and earn meaningful equity through stock options. This ownership mindset is at the heart of everything we do — when Neo grows, we all grow. If you’ve heard that Neo employees work hard, it’s true. We hold ourselves accountable for delivering on our commitments to our customers, partners, and each other. Working at Neo means taking ownership of your work and driving results, knowing that your contributions directly impact the company’s success. 

Apply with us:

We believe in equal opportunity and are committed to creating an inclusive climate where everyone can thrive. Customers trust us with their finances, so successful candidates for this position will be required to undergo a security screening, including a criminal records check and a credit check.

By continuing with your application, you agree to the Candidate Privacy Notice which guides how we process your personal information for the purpose of your application.